Health & Safety Policy

Guiseley Netball Club accepts responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable the health and safety of their coaches (paid and unpaid), club members, volunteers, visitors etc while on club premises or on Guiseley Netball Club business.

Guiseley Netball Club recognises that Health and Safety is a business function and must therefore continually progress and adapt to changes. The approach to Health and Safety will be based on the identification and control of risks.

This policy is to be read in conjunction with the portfolio of wider Guiseley Netball Club policies and procedures.

Policy

Planning, monitoring and review of the Health and Safety policy will be carried out on a regular basis, taking into account changes in legislation and good practice.

Guiseley Netball Club will:

• Ensure that there are adequate arrangements put into place for the effective planning, development, and review of this policy.

• Consult with our members on matters affecting their health and safety.

• Devote the necessary resources in the form of finance, equipment, members, and time to ensure health and safety.

• Ensure that it constantly improves health and safety standards and performance. It will endeavour to ensure that all statutes, regulations, and codes of practice are complied with.

• Ensure that minimum standards that will be adopted by the Club are those required by law, although the Club will always seek to exceed these where there is a demonstrable benefit.

• Provide so far as is reasonably practicable a working environment, equipment and systems of work which are free from hazard and without risk to health.

• Ensure all members are competent to do their tasks, and to give them adequate training.

• Make arrangements for ensuring so far as is reasonably practicable, safety and absence from risk to health in handling and storing articles and substances in line with COSHH requirements.

• Minimise the risk of accidents and cases of work-related ill health.

• Maintain safe and healthy working conditions.

• Provide such training and instruction, information and supervision as is necessary to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of their coaches, members and volunteers.

• Ensure that the premises under the Club’s control are maintained as far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risk to health and with adequate access and egress.

• Make adequate arrangements so far as is reasonably practicable, for facilities and arrangements for members and volunteers’ welfare at work.

• Provide and maintain so far as is reasonably practicable, arrangements for the emergency evacuation of premises under their control in case of fire or other emergency.

• Make risk assessments periodically and issue corrective instructions.

The day-to-day administration of the policy shall be the responsibility of the Chairperson. They may, in clearly defined terms, delegate such authority in writing to a member of the club. He or she shall be responsible for bringing such items as are covered by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and by this policy, to the attention of the committee.

The day-to-day responsibility for safety of the premises will be vested in the club coaches. They shall be responsible for ensuring that any known safety defects or deficiencies are rectified or are brought to the attention of the Chairperson and the club and/or the premises owner where appropriate.

This Policy is written with consideration to the following legislature and regulations:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

• Disability Discrimination Act 1995

Delegated responsibilities

The overall responsibility for Health and Safety has been delegated to the Chairperson by the Committee.

Persons affected

This policy applies to all coaches (paid and unpaid), club members, volunteers and visitors. 

Guiseley Netball Club, in accepting its responsibilities, expects coaches, club members, volunteers and visitors to:

• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and of the health and safety of their fellow coaches, club members, volunteers and visitors who may be affected by their acts and omissions.

• Report all health and safety concerns to the appropriate person (Chairperson or Coach).

• Co-operate in carrying out any duty or requirement imposed upon them under the Act including participating in evacuation drills and other health and safety procedures.

• Not interfere intentionally or recklessly with, or misuse anything provided in the interest of their health safety or welfare.

Contractors

All contractors will be expected to make available their own company policy on health and safety and will be expected to demonstrate their compliance with the Club’s policy for Health and Safety. 

Guiseley Netball Club reserves the right to discipline persons contravening any of the sections above.

Procedure

It is the responsibility of all coaches, club members, volunteers and visitors to:

• Assist in ensuring the Health and Safety of all persons legitimately engaged in activities on the Club’s premises.

• Familiarise themselves with all aspects of the Club’s Health and Safety Policy.

• Comply with all instructions given by the Club’s Committee, for the protection of its club coaches, members, volunteers and visitors.

• Adhere to the Manufacturers, Suppliers and Club’s instructions when using all forms of electrical and mechanical equipment used on club premises.

• Undertake maintenance of or repair of electrical or mechanical equipment only if authorised.

• Study and be familiar with Club’s regulations in regard to Fire Precautions and other Emergency procedures.

• Be familiar with the procedure for reporting accidents of any type and conform to that procedure.

• Ensure that items of personal electrical equipment used on the premises have first been tested and authorised as safe to use. This is for insurance purposes.

• Ensure that all goods are stored in a safe manner and in the correct place, having particular regard to storage conditions required for hazardous goods.

• Not leave goods or equipment in such a position that might constitute a danger.

Verification

The Chairperson will review this Policy annually and ensure those with delegated responsibilities make a personal inspection of the appropriate premises, equipment and records.